University of Oregon’s University Health Services is offering relaxing spaces and activities on Tuesday and Wednesday to combat the stress that students may feel with Election Day.
Duck Nest, a zone for students to unwind on campus, is in the Erb Memorial Union room 041 and open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday.
The Duck Nest has been around since 2016, according to Angela Long, director for health initiatives at UHS. UHS regularly sponsors events to support students with physical, mental and sexual well-being.
On Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a new pop-up Duck Nest will be located on the second floor of UHS 248, as well.
“I think it’s really tumultuous and I think every single person I’ve talked to has been concerned about the election,” freshman Leon Reynolds said.
In both locations, coloring, aromatherapy and tea will be available, according to UHS. The EMU Duck Nest will also host a “no-media zone” on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for students to turn away from social media and online distractions.
“We’re bombarded by everything coming in all different directions…so the idea would be to just come to a quiet place and disconnect,” Long said.
Students and staff will also be able to pet therapy dogs, goats and the infamous duck named Quacktavious on the EMU Green. The dogs will be there from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Quacktavious from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, and the goats from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Several studies given by UHS have shown that therapy animals statistically reduce anxiety, and UHS is following the numbers.
“It is a data-driven activity that helps students through stressful situations,” Long said.
For students looking for stress management tips, an anxiety skill lab drop-in workshop will be happening in UHS from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., and UO’s regular drop-in counseling, Let’s Talk, will be available around campus, as well.
Some students said they may tell a friend about the resources UHS is offering, but they mostly wanted to take their minds off Election Day by going out with friends.
Freshman Lindsey Nash thinks the election is about more than which candidate is voted into office.
“[I am] very stressed, extremely stressed. From the past election I think all the emotions have heightened and what happened on Jan. 6 that brought into perspective how extreme both sides can be,” Nash said.
While still paying attention to the election, Reynolds emphasized the need to keep the chaos in the background.
“I think it’s important to focus on other stuff. I already sent in my ballot, so that’s all I can do,” Reynolds said.
UHS is providing stress-management resources to support students during election week and in the long run.
“We specifically created these options during Election Day to support our students in ways they may not know about. More students may be seeking these types of support [this] week, but what we hope is that all students become aware [of these resources],” Long said.
More information about UHS’s election week program, events and counseling services can be found on UO’s website and the Duck Nest Instagram.
